Climbing on in the off-season and keeping connected.
WINTER 2024 NEWSLETTER Climbing into our 25th year of programs!
It was a whirlwind winter of school presentations, student interviews, indoor climbing, staff restructuring, and many new friends of Kismet to be thankful for.
Founder Mike Jewell and I have been on the road visiting our nine partner schools and meeting many wonderful students eager for an opportunity such as Kismet.
Current students have gathered for indoor climbing days thanks to the efforts of volunteers (primarily Kismet graduates) who have joined for the day to help with belaying and connecting with the group.
We are building our staff to strengthen our year-round efforts and look forward to announcing new staff members soon.
As always we share our gratitude with all who support Kismet and appreciate the value of this unique program.
Thank you, Krissy Fraser
Thank you to Kismet graduates who volunteered at our off-season indoor climbing days to provide an opportunity for the students to climb in their community gyms. Pictured from left to right: Zach ('18) and Hayleigh ('19), also a current intern, belaying at North Country Climbing; Caleb ('13), a current house staff, at Vertical Dreams with two Manchester students; Sharlah-Mae ('19), a current intern, belaying at EVO Portland.
PARTNER SCHOOLS
The interview process with prospective students is so moving and wonderful. From the shiest and most disempowered, to the most comfortable and curious, there is a beautiful kindness and eagerness for opportunity. The students express excitement around rock climbing, intrigue and eagerness to make new friends, and a genuine desire to participate in something new. This year we will select two new student groups to participate in this 25th season.
We are thankful for the dedication of the school counselors and educators who introduced us to so many wonderful students.
THANK YOU
Josiah Bartlett Elementary School, Kennett Middle School, Berlin Middle School, Gorham Middle/High School, Parkside Middle School, and Hillside Middle School in NH, Molly Ockett School and King Middle School, ME; Curley K-8 School, Boston, MA.
Quote from Molly Ockett School Counselor 6-8, Deb Delmonico
"Kismet is life changing, providing a long term safety net for some of our most vulnerable youth. The investment of time, energy and emotion changes the trajectory of their lives in ways that won’t be fully realized for many years to come. I am grateful for this opportunity for my students and appreciate the financial support that comes from such a caring community."
KISMET PARTNERS - WITH GRATITUDE
Kismet is honored and grateful to have support from many individuals, companies and foundations that are making a difference in communities nationwide. We are thrilled to be recognized by REI Cooperative Action Fund, The Quimby Family Foundation,Kahtoola and DanPaul Foundation all aligned with a mission to create equitable access to outdoor spaces. We are also excited for a new partnership with Northeast Delta Dental which is continually recognized for its extensive support of so many organizations in their communities. We are thankful to have recently been featured on Northeast Delta Dental radio with Tom Raffio.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING KISMET POSSIBLE
Sincerely Grateful - The Trustees and Staff of Kismet Rock Foundation
